The Nigerian Army has said that troops were deployed to Benin Republic in April 2026 in a proactive move aimed at supporting democratic stability and preventing any breakdown of law and order during the country’s electioneering period.

According to a statement, yesterday by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col Appolonia Anele, the deployment was carried out on the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under Operation Atilehin Alafiya II to safeguard and ensure a smooth electoral process and transfer of power to Romuald Wadagni, the country’s new President.

Anele said that though troops were not directly tasked with election duties, they were strategically positioned to provide a stabilising presence before, during and after the electoral process. 
 
According to her, the deployment was aimed at deterring potential security threats, reinforcing public confidence and supporting a peaceful democratic transition in line with Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and cooperation.
 
She said the troops maintained a high level of operational readiness throughout their stay, conducting patrols, monitoring key locations and sustaining a visible security presence across critical areas within the Cotonou metropolis and its environs.
 
Anele said the successful execution of the mission underscores the capacity of the Nigerian Army for rapid deployment, operational professionalism and its readiness to support regional peace initiatives, highlighting Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting democratic governance and stability within the West African sub-region.
 
She reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to working collaboratively with regional partners and relevant stakeholders to ensure a secure and peaceful environment across the region, in line with the objectives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).